TLDR: **Asking for folks with import experience** The potential dealbreaker: a PO removed the OBD port. Import policy says that the drivetrain must be in original, unmodified condition. With the OBD port removed, is that a concern?
Greetings to all. First post here. I’m stationed in Bahrain with the military, and if I buy an 80, I’d be able to bring it back to the States (for free! Thanks, taxpayers).
Hoping for some advice. I’ve read the buyer’s guide, watched the prepurchase inspection videos on YouTube, and researched the differences within the 80s (CDL, 3xLocked, engine/tranny options, etc.). I know that buying a GCC 80 series has its complications due to the wear and tear the climate gives a truck, so my expectations aren’t incredibly high, but I don’t want to buy a money pit either. Plan is to drive it as my daily (avg 15mi/day) while I’m here, then take it home in a couple years and make it my project/toy.
There’s a 97 available right now at a used car dealer here for $5700US. 266k mi (426k km). Body and frame are in good condition considering mileage and age. Pretty much rust free. Mechanically, it’s ok. Brakes are scary soft, but fluid is low and dirty, so hopefully a flush and new pads would correct that. Prepurchase inspection shop gave a litany of issues:
- New struts all around
- Pwr steering box leaking
- Oil pan and transmission pan leaking
- Tie rod ends
- Control arm bushings
- Vacuum and radiator hoses
They didn’t give any recommendation on the condition of the front axle, and in retrospect I should have asked. But from my own visual inspection I didn’t see any issues.
Interior is ok. Some of the power features aren’t working. Power driver seat (fwd/rear broken, but up/down and recline are good), power driver window, moonroof, for example. It has the fridge/ice maker in the center console, but I have no idea if it works.
It might have CDL switch. There’s a button in the expected CDL switch spot labeled “H4”, but when you press it, nothing shows on the dash. Could be the dash bulb is out. Has anybody seen that? Photos attached.
Hope you folks with experience in high mileage 80s can provide some advice. Thanks!
By the time I leave Bahrain, I hope to be a real member of the 80-Series owner club.
Greetings to all. First post here. I’m stationed in Bahrain with the military, and if I buy an 80, I’d be able to bring it back to the States (for free! Thanks, taxpayers).
Hoping for some advice. I’ve read the buyer’s guide, watched the prepurchase inspection videos on YouTube, and researched the differences within the 80s (CDL, 3xLocked, engine/tranny options, etc.). I know that buying a GCC 80 series has its complications due to the wear and tear the climate gives a truck, so my expectations aren’t incredibly high, but I don’t want to buy a money pit either. Plan is to drive it as my daily (avg 15mi/day) while I’m here, then take it home in a couple years and make it my project/toy.
There’s a 97 available right now at a used car dealer here for $5700US. 266k mi (426k km). Body and frame are in good condition considering mileage and age. Pretty much rust free. Mechanically, it’s ok. Brakes are scary soft, but fluid is low and dirty, so hopefully a flush and new pads would correct that. Prepurchase inspection shop gave a litany of issues:
- New struts all around
- Pwr steering box leaking
- Oil pan and transmission pan leaking
- Tie rod ends
- Control arm bushings
- Vacuum and radiator hoses
They didn’t give any recommendation on the condition of the front axle, and in retrospect I should have asked. But from my own visual inspection I didn’t see any issues.
Interior is ok. Some of the power features aren’t working. Power driver seat (fwd/rear broken, but up/down and recline are good), power driver window, moonroof, for example. It has the fridge/ice maker in the center console, but I have no idea if it works.
It might have CDL switch. There’s a button in the expected CDL switch spot labeled “H4”, but when you press it, nothing shows on the dash. Could be the dash bulb is out. Has anybody seen that? Photos attached.
Hope you folks with experience in high mileage 80s can provide some advice. Thanks!
By the time I leave Bahrain, I hope to be a real member of the 80-Series owner club.